Covid-19 infections settopeakinthe middle of next week

Government computer modelling has revealed next Wednesday could be the day the NHS in the South East faces its most coronavirus cases.

Computer modelling shows the number of coronavirus cases in Kent is likely to peak in the middle of next week.

Hospitals already treating hundreds of people with the illness are expected to come under major pressure.

One health trust chief executive has told how Wednesday is expected to see the height of the outbreak.

James Devine, of Medway Maritime Hospital,

Gillingham, says his staff are expected to see cases more than double.

As of Tuesday afternoon, almost 100 patients there were confirmed or suspected to have the virus.

By Wednesday, this number is expected to rise to 250 confirmed cases.

The news comes as the county’s number of deaths continues to rise.

At the time of going to press, at least 89 people had fallen victim to the virus.

However, the actual number is likely to be far higher as that figure only accounts for deaths in hospitals.

The recorded deaths by trusts are:

■ East Kent – 37

■ Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells – 27

■ Medway – 11

■ Dartford and Gravesham

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Kent Community

Healthcare – 1

Meanwhile, Kent County Council has begun work to build a temporary mortuary to store bodies for a “worstcase scenario” in Beddow Way, Aylesford. It will take about two weeks to complete (see page 12).

Mr Devine moved to calm concerns about the level of personal protective equipment (PPE).

He said Medway and other hospitals in Kent had received good supplies for health care workers.

At his hospital, where two doctors are among those being treated, there were 16,000 face masks in stock.

At the time of writing, figures showed the UK had experienced its highest daily number of recorded deaths.

On Monday, the virus claimed the lives of 854 people.

Of these, 758 were in

England, 74 in Scotland, 19 in Wales and three in Northern Ireland.

The total number of UK dead was 6,159.

Although more than 55,000 Britons have tested positive for the virus, it is believed to have infected many more times that figure.

Many people will have had the illness without even developing symptoms, but will have unknowingly spread it.

At a press briefing, Professor

Angela McLean, chief scientific adviser for the Ministry of Defence, said the rate of infection was starting “we hope, to slow down”.

But she adds it was “too soon” to know the impact of social distancing and other measures.

Under pressure NHS workers in Kent can now access a new mental health hotline if they feel they need extra support.

It comes as part of special measures introduced to support the 1.4 million people in our health service.

Staffwillbeabletocallor text a free number, to receive advice and support from specially trained volunteers.

The phone line will be open between 7am and 11pm every day. A text service will also be available 24/7.

Prerana Issar, chief people officer for the NHS, said: “We need to do everything we can to support our incredible NHS as they care for people through this global health emergency.

“That’s why we have developed a range of support, from one-to-one mental health support to a sympathetic voice to confide in.

“We’re doing everything we can for staff, but the best thing the public can do for nurses, doctors and others, is to stay indoors and wash hands.”

More than 1,500 volunteers have come forward from charities such as Hospice UK, the Samaritans to staff the hotline.

A patient needing ventilator care to help with his breathing

Medway’s chief James Devine executive